Gov. Bryant says Miss. has right to define academic standards

6:22 PM,
Dec. 16, 2013

Phil Bryant

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Gov. Phil Bryant on Monday, with Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves at his side, issued an executive order that says Mississippi, not the federal government, has control over its public school standards and curricula.

The order comes as Mississippi prepares to implement Common Core, English and mathematics standards that have been adopted by more than 40 states. The Mississippi Department of Education adopted Common Core in 2010.

Bryant's order wouldn't stop Common Core implementation, but appears to be an effort to appease conservative groups and lawmakers concerned the program would cede control ...